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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: johnw on December 30, 2013, 03:10:56 PM

Title: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: johnw on December 30, 2013, 03:10:56 PM
I'm looking for a phono preamp for <$300. This would be for my Rega P2 that I believe uses a MM cartridge.

So far looks like the Project Phonobox S, NAD PP2i or Music Hall PA1.2 fit the bill.

I don't need Tubes or USB.
Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: audBall on December 30, 2013, 04:29:49 PM
I picked up a Music Hall PA1.2 about two months ago for about $115 shipped and have been real happy with it. It's nice because it works with both MC and MM cartridges (selected by a switch on the back of the unit).

Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: raymonda on December 30, 2013, 05:35:53 PM
Lehman black cube.



Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: johnw on December 30, 2013, 08:55:26 PM
Lehman black cube.

Starts at $400 so outside my range
Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: johnw on December 30, 2013, 09:00:33 PM
I picked up a Music Hall PA1.2 about two months ago for about $115 shipped and have been real happy with it. It's nice because it works with both MC and MM cartridges (selected by a switch on the back of the unit).

Do you mind saying where? Thats a great price
Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: raymonda on December 30, 2013, 10:18:36 PM
Lehman black cube.

I hope you don't plan on buying new when you can get twice as much on the used market. I've also heard great things about the Jolida 9.
Or, you might consider the Bellari VP130, which is in your ballpark brand new.
Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: johnw on December 31, 2013, 07:48:23 AM
I've been burned on used audio, so I was planning on going new. I know that people here like audiogon, but I don't visit that site enough to know who is reliable there.
Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: audBall on December 31, 2013, 08:35:40 AM
Quote
Do you mind saying where? Thats a great price

I bought it off eBay. The seller was beachaudio. It looks like the cheapest price is around $150 right now which, to me, still seems worth it.
Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: raymonda on January 02, 2014, 08:48:20 PM
A black cube just got listed over at audiogon for 300
Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: johnw on January 03, 2014, 08:46:02 AM
Thanks, still at the top end of my budget. I think I'm going to go with a new Music Hall amp. The turntable is going to go into a Sonos amp which adds A>D to the analog inputs so this is not a playback setup for vinyl analog purists. That's why I'm trying to keep this on a lower budget. Sort of a compromise between myself and my wife.
Title: Re: TTSKB: phono preamp
Post by: raymonda on January 03, 2014, 09:52:45 AM
Another idea is to get an Adcom 565 pre-amp........the line section is good and the phone is outstanding for the price. This way you may up grade your line stage and get a free phono section that will kill anything else in this price range.

There is alos the option of sourcing an older Classe 6 or 5 line pre-amp with phono section. Again this would do the same as the Adcom but take you to an even higher level. 5's go for around $500 and 6's anywhere from 700-1000.

If you sold off what ever your using as a line stage now you might end up with some change in your pocket with the Adcom, break even on the 5 and pay a little for the 6.

Just another thought. Nothing wrong with an overall upgrade!